It aims to prevent further offending and to facilitate their safe reintegration into the community. "It’s good work," Mr Kircher said. "In my last role as mayor, it was working for the community directly. Having had time to reflect since ending his 12-year tenure as mayor, Mr Kircher still felt he made the right call. He was full of support for mayor Melanie Tavendale who was deputy mayor under Mr Kircher for the last two terms.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 27, 2026 15:37 UTC